LUFTWAFFE Messerschmitt Bf 109E 2./JG 27, Black 8, Franz Elles, Libya Black 8 1:48 Scale HA8703

Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA8703

Messerschmitt Bf 109E Diecast Model

Luftwaffe 2./JG 27, Black 8, Franz Elles, Libya, April 1941

Two Grumman F9F Panthers from VF-153 suffered AA fire damage. One Panther wore a natural metal finish and had its tail section destroyed while 126652 wore a glossy sea blue scheme and had its forward section destroyed so it was decide to mate the good sections from each aircraft to produce one airworthy Panther, 126652 the “Blue Tail Fly”. The unique aircraft flew 12 missions in this configuration before being sent for a complete rebuild returning to service with VF-63 and later VMF-115, VMF-311, VMA-224 and in 1958 placed in storage.